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UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that Hurricane Matthew has severely affected southern parts of Haiti, especially the departments of Grand Anse and South, where the wind caused severe damage, a UN spokesman told reporters here Thursday.
The government of Haiti estimates that at least 350,000 people are in need of immediate humanitarian assistance, although it is expected that the number may rise as assessments are carried out, Farhan Haq, the deputy UN spokesman, said at a daily news briefing here. "At least five people are reported to have died."
After slicing through Haiti and Cuba, Hurricane Matthew pounded the Bahamas. It is the most powerful Caribbean storm in nearly a decade.
Authorities also report that over 15,600 people were evacuated and nearly 1,900 homes were flooded. Hundreds were damaged or destroyed, he said.
Also on Thursday, the UN Disaster Assessment Coordination (UNDAC) team and the Haitian government hope to conduct a joint assessment with other humanitarian partners, Haq said. "Communication with and access to the worst affected areas remain extremely limited."
The World Food Programme (WFP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), along with non-governmental organization (NGO) partners are all scaling up support for critical shelter, water, sanitation and food assistance, he said.
Meanwhile, the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) is supporting the Haitian authorities in their assessment and reconnaissance efforts, especially towards the most affected areas in the south western tip of Haiti, and the cities of Jeremie and Les Cayes, he said.
"MINUSTAH has deployed assets by air and road, while its police and military components have been helping to clear debris from the roadways," he added.
Hurricane Matthew has left at least 108 people dead in Haiti, reports said, suggesting the death toll could rise because some inaccessible areas have not yet been accounted for.
Hurricane Matthew's strong winds caused serious damage in many parts of the small island country, above all in the South, Southeast, Nippes and Gran Anse departments.
